Oregon Question

IDkTm · Apr 21, 2004

After I graduate from college here in a couple weeks I'm heading on a college trip to the Steens Mountains of south east oregon and then a couple days in the Strawberry mountains. Is anyone familiar with these areas at all? Will I see any deer or elk? Some of the things I've read have said its winter range, so is there potential to find some sheds? Has anyone fished any of the area, as a couple of us would like to do some fishing if its worth it to. Thanks for anything.

Hawkk33 · Apr 21, 2004

I don't think you will be able to get as far into the Steens as you think you are. That the Loop Road usually doesn't open until July-August but maybe your group plans on cross country skiiing. Check out the Keiger/Big Indian and other gorges some killer scenery from up top.

Strawberry mountains: You may be able to get to there without any hassles and then hike up.

horseskull · Apr 21, 2004

When in the Steen's take the refuge road from the P Ranch to Krumbo, ton's of deer and possibly the elk will still be in the refuge. The loop road will more than likely be snowed in above 7000 ft. Look in the lower areas in the sage and juniper for sheds.
Never fished it, but heard that Mann Lake on the east side of the Steen's can be great this time of year for big trout on fly gear. Blitzen River has some good fishing also.

hunterjmj · Apr 21, 2004

I think they usually set the date for June 30th to open up the Steens road weather permitting. Mann Lake is awesome fishing if you get lucky and hit it on a good day.. Fish lake has small stockers that fairly easy to catch, nothing big though..Take your spotting scope and check out the east rim from the top and chances are good you could see some sheep..Oh, bring a gun in case you see a cougar.. Have fun..

Jer

treekiller · Apr 22, 2004

If you flyfish, hit Mann Lake on the east side of Steens Mtn. It has Lahontan Cutthroat which aren't real selective. The largest Cutthroat I've landed at Mann Lake was 26". Usually anything inch long and green will bring steady action when the wind isn't blowing. You might want to have some #16 Griffith's Knats in case they come to the surface for emerging chironimids. There's also quite afew damsel's hatching by early June, if not earlier. The view along the eastslope is spectacular!

The locals scarf the elk sheds pretty hard near the Strawberry's, at least my hunting partner does! Any of the south facing slopes between 5000'and 6500'you might find some elk sheds. The deer sheds will be lower near the sage/juniper foothills. The fishing is mostly for small pan size trout, although the Malhuer River does have some good size Redband Trout. Be aware that some waters around Logan Valley(upper Malhuer) have Bull Trout, so the fishing may be restricted. Hawk33 should have better information about the Bull Trout situation in the Logan Valley area.

Good luck and take your camera.

ORsouthpaw · Apr 23, 2004

There's tons of animals in the Strawberry range. With the exception of the highest peaks deer seem to hang there almost year round. The elk seem to use it more as a transition area between actual summer range and winter range. We camp near Strawberry Mountain every year and there's never a shortage of wildlife to see. Doesn't seem to be a great fishery but there are lakes that have been stocked so you can always catch something. Delintment lake is one place to try. Down below Hwy 20 there are lots of lakes to explore. Also there is lots of history in that area as far as the Oregon Indian wars and the settlement of eastern Oregon.